Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve become so accustomed to the way things are flowing – for example, the exercise routine from your trainer then all of a sudden they change things up. The exercise routine that you’ve become familiar with and comfortable with other the past few weeks has now been pulled away. Now, there’s a new routine you need to get used to. That’s exactly what has happened in the midst of our collective experiences with the pandemic.
We’ve all been forced to change the way we do things. From the way we shop at the grocery store to the way we socialize with others and even the way we work and workout. The pandemic has affected each of us on a global scale. Fortunately, many of us have taken this experience and used it as an opportunity to appreciate the things we have. It’s also given us an honest reveal at what we’ve taken for granted.
Here are 6 things the pandemic taught us not to take for granted.
- Food
Having a huge selection of the menu is a huge advantage to anyone who has transportation and the funds to order whatever they want. If you’re a regular grocery shopper, you’ll know that having your pick at the aisles is also advantageous. But, now that groceries are being more cautious to protect staff a regular trip to the grocery store has become anything but what it once was. And, ordering food is now the thing to do since dining out is becoming less of an option.
- Friend
FaceTime and Hangout use is up in record numbers. Zoom is even getting in on the action. People are finding ways to connect with each out virtually because meeting them face to face is not an option with the social distancing laws that are in place in many parts of the country. People are turning to apps such as TikTok, Facebook and IG more than even to keep their bonds strong with loved ones.
- Hug
Aside from missing friends and family, being in their presence for a hug is also less likely to happen with the social distancing laws in place. Virtual interactions are great but they are not as personal as hugging someone or giving them a high five. Any form of handshaking is also off-limits. Having physical contact is definitely something that many of us probably have never thought of as being a privilege. Now, that we’re unable to hug, high-five or handshake it makes you appreciate that personal connection.
- Job
Unfortunately, many of us have been laid off or lost jobs during this global crisis. And even though you may not have liked your job, we’re pretty sure you appreciated having the income and the stability of employment. The pandemic has shown us that nothing is ever for certain, guaranteed. Over the course of the last several months, we’ve witnessed businesses and industries booming with business and customers until things seemed to change rapidly with the spread of COVID-19.
- Time
Time. Where does all the time go anyway? Those are questions most of us are asking ourselves because we’re at home, working and entertaining ourselves and our families so time seems to fly by. And on the days that time seems to drift a bit slower, we find all types of things we need to do or would like to create. The importance of recognizing time is the pandemic helped us to realize that we do have time and it boils down to what we choose to do with it.
- Life
The seriousness of COVID-19 has taught us that life is indeed precious and short. With many of us being affected, directly and indirectly by this deadly virus just being able to breathe and live life has become a blessing. Countless lives have been lost. This time has reminded us and given us an opportunity to reflect, appreciate and to enjoy our lives – even in the midst of a global crisis.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West.
You may have heard this saying thousands of times before, “Change is inevitable.”
